Ben the rhinoceros

Ben has been pretending to be a rhino. He and his friends have been putting rose thorns on their noses. It's all soo Ben!

Ben's rock collection

Mum sent Ben a couple of display boxes for his growing rock collection, plus she cut up some pieces of paper and added a sharpie pen. Ben knew exactly what the boxes were for when he opened his package. Ben and Andrew spent a couple of hours sorting out rocks on the weekend. I just love the way Ben has classified them for now!! I'm looking forward to seeing how the classification system progresses - from "pink" and "green" to "aragonite" and such...

Birthday party snakes

We went to a birthday party at the zoo today. One of the zoo keepers dropped by our party a few times with different animals - a lizard, a snake, a baby alligator and then two dingos. The boys were cuddled by the snake, who was feeling a little chilly.

Applique bag

Ben had a friend over to play today. When the boy's grandma came to pick up her grandson, I spotted her bag. I took some photos of it, just love it. Applique, buttons and machine embroidery. So inspiring and colourful.

Swinging on top of the world

On Fridays I take Andrew to his recorder ensemble. It's a group of kids who pick up the most complicated jazz and classical pieces as if by magic - at least to my non-musical eyes.

This Friday I had to take Ben along too. His dad was out. Ben and I walked up the hill from the recorder teacher's house to find a park. The view was amazing, we felt as if we were perched on top of the world. Ben climbed the trees and had a good swing.

Hot chocolate

There's a chocolate-only cafe in the city. We don't go out all that often. And over the years, we've tried to get in there every now and then. It's always been either shut or full. Last night we went out to dinner with some friends - and later the cafe was still open.

We've decided - well it's chocolate, been there done that!

Saturday slides and rocks

We had a big day Saturday. Tennis, soccer, then parked at my work so we could go buy some shin guards. The boys slid down the bike slip way down to the basement over and over again.

Then we went to a rock and gem show, and Ben spent some of his birthday money. He bought some fantastic rocks, plus a fossil of a fish.

Happy birthday Andrew (braces boy)

Andrew is now a teenager. He turned 13 while he was away on school camp yesterday. Andrew had the bright idea of joining some of his 13 candles and making a big flame in the middle of his cake.

Andrew said he wants to be rich when he's grown up - and be a philanthropist, giving the money say to people in Africa who need it. I am so impressed with him!!

Ben said Andrew should just get his braces for his 13th birthday. I said that sounded like a very good idea - Andrew was worried for a bit.

Pillow Talk Swap Round 4 - Relish Australia Inspiration Mosaic

Pillow Talk Swap Round 4 - Relish Australia Inspiration Mosaic
Originally uploaded by Relish Australia

Julie's inspiration for a pillow swap she's in. I was at her place when one of these arrived - so gorgeous.

Ben's birthday

11 candles! And smarties...